How to Use Picture Frames as Home Decor

Are you looking for inexpensive and innovative ways to decorate your home? One of the most versatile and affordable items you can use to add character and interest to your décor are picture frames. Picture frames come in all shapes and sizes and you don't have to use them just to hang pictures. Here are some ideas for decorating with picture frames.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Use them as display trays.
   
   Find a beautiful old picture frame with gold gilding and place a pretty piece of fabric or handmade paper under the glass. Display it on a table as a decorative tray or place it in the middle of a table with a vase of flowers in the middle. Try adding one to your vanity table as a tray for holding your perfumes and cologne bottles.

2. Cluster them together on walls.
   
   Frames with photos inside have much more impact when they're clustered together in groups. Choose a blank area on your wall and group together frames holding photos with a common theme so that they tell a unique story. You'll love how a cluster of frames can make a room look homey.

3. Jazz up a plain wooden frame.
   
   This is a perfect idea for a child's room. Select a plain wooden frame and paint it a bright color to match the décor of your child's room. Once you have a colorful background, glue on cute plastic miniatures in a theme that's appropriate to your child's interests. You can even paint her name on the frame to personalize it.

4. Use them as refrigerator magnets.
   
   Small frames can be used to decorate a refrigerator and add character to your kitchen. Simply glue magnetic strips to the back of tiny frames and use them to display photos, recipes, postcards, old fashioned images from books, and any other paper item that strikes your fancy.

5. Use a frame as a bulletin board.
   
   Eliminate the glass from the frame and lay down a layer of cork board. Hang the frame and use it as a corkboard. Choose an elaborate frame and you'll have the most unique bulletin board around.

6. Frame a mirror.
   
   Why not give an ordinary mirror a fancy edge by framing it? This will give the mirror a whole new look and you're limited only by the type of frame you use to surround the mirror. You can make the frame plain or fancy to fit almost any room in your home.